Gary Peacock bass 1923 Burley IDG
Gary studied the piano and drums from his early teens, and started studying the bass in the mid '60s while stationed with the army in Germany. He remained in Germany after his discharge, and worked with local German musicians and visiting American musicians such as Bud Shank, BobCooper, Albert Mangelsdorff, Hans Koller, and Tony Scott. In 1958 Gary moved to California where he performed and recorded with Barney Kessel, Clare Fischer, and Don Ellis. In the early '60s Gary moved again, this time to New York, and worked with various jazz groups and from 1962 to1963 was part of the Bill Evans trio. He next joined Miles Davis and Albert Ayler in the mid '60s ,and with Ayler made the first of several unique recordings. These recordings established Gary as one of the most accomplished and sought-after bassists in jazz. In the mid '60s he spent less time with music and studied Eastern philosophy and medicine, and in 1969 moved to Japan where he became active again in music and recorded with prominent Japanese musicians and some visiting American players. After two years he returned to the U.S.and again devoted time to studies other than music, studying Biology at the University of Washington. In the late '80s, once again back full-time in music, he performed and recorded in a group with Keith Jarrett and Jack DeJohnette. Around 1985 Gary began teaching at the Cornish Institute of the Allied Arts in Seattle.
Gerald Wiggins piano 1922 New York City
Gerald, pianist and arranger, like many musicians, was inspired bythe playing of Art Tatum the first time he heard him in New York. After spending some time on tour with the comedian Stepin Fetchit, Gerald played in Les Hite's orchestra in the early '40s. In the mid '40s he played with Louis Armstrong and Benny Carter. After moving to the west coast in 1950, Gerald worked with Lena Horne, and from then on his career consisted of working mainly with singers.. At various times he accompanied Kay Starr, Eartha Kitt, and Helen Humes to name a few. In the 1960s he worked in the film studios as a vocal coach and music director and also led groups of his own, playing in clubs and at festivals. Today, Gerald continues to perform as a leader and also does a great deal of work with Gerald Wilson's orchestra. His firm touch and all-around musicianship are evident whenever he plays.
